The McGaugh Elementary School Carnival is just days away and the buzz on the Seal Beach schoolyard is focused on the addition of gigantic, bouncy, inflatable fun zones to the annual event, set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26.
An informal poll of McGaugh fourth-graders indicates that the newest attractions at the carnival will be a big hit.
“I bet kids will ride on these rides all day,” said fourth-grader Gavin Prince. “They are perfect for the carnival and perfect for me and my family. I like racing my little brother Ezekiel on the giant slide.”
Students can conquer the 28-foot inflatable mountain at Volcano Venture, or race a friend down a giant 25-foot Dual Slide. Fourth-grader Hunter Garland is looking forward to trying “Surfin’ Safari” – a ride on a simulated wave – no water added!
“I think it will be a little awkward because in surfing you are supposed to get wet, but at McGaugh you just fall into a blow up pool,” he said.
A “Speed Pitch” cage will clock the fastest pitchers in town; prize tickets will be awarded at the top of each hour for the fastest pitch. In addition, a 65-foot inflatable obstacle course allows participants to race a friend, and the McGaugh Express Train tours the campus in style. In addition, $20 wristbands will be available for advance purchase on Thursday and Friday, offering unlimited rides on all inflatables at the carnival. They will also be for sale for $25 at the carnival.
“I’ve been going to the carnival for as long as I can remember but I think that this one is going to be the best one yet!” said fourth-grader Meredith Houston, who has attended the carnival since she was an infant, with big brothers Parker and Will. “I’m super excited to try the new rock climbing wall. I bet I can get to the top. I think it will rock! Get it, like ‘rock’ wall?”
The inflatable attractions are definitely top of the list for Parker Ledterman, but he also has his eye on a Minecraft basket donated to the carnival’s silent auction by the families in his fourth-grade class. The basket is loaded with all things Minecraft, the popular adventure building block video game.
“I’ll be looking at all the baskets at the silent auction, but I think my friends and I will be rooting for the Minecraft and Lego baskets for our Christmas lists,” said Parker, whose class will also be in charge of the popular pumpkin patch at the carnival.
The Silent Auction opens at noon Friday and at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. The entire community is invited to the auction to browse, shop, and purchase some of the 500 items up for bid.
Shoppers can choose from amazing entertainment options, museum passes, amusement park tickets, and restaurant packages. Professional sports games and memorabilia, toys for kids of all ages, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind accessories will also be up for auction. Donations from Seal Beach favorites such as Harbour Surfboards, Beach City Jewelers, Zpizza, Joie de Vivre, Walt’s Wharf, O’Malley’s, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and Knock Knock are just a few of the items available. All make great holiday gifts.
Other baskets donated by McGaugh classrooms feature themes such as Kindle Fun, Hello Kitty, Playmobil, Lego, Angry Birds, and American Girl.
A “buy-it-now” option is also available, which allows bidders to bypass the auction process and purchase their items in one easy step.
